THE 2ND NATIONAL CHILDREN’S PARLIAMENT- A CALL TO END CHILD HUNGER AND MALNUTRITION

In an era where the world has made significant strides in technology, healthcare, and education, it is unfortunate that the issue of child hunger and malnutrition is still alarming, casting a long shadow over our collective progress.

Raising Teenagers Uganda joined World Vision, UNICEF, Touch the Heart Uganda and other CSO’s working directly with children at the 2nd National Children’s Parliament, held under the theme “A Call to End Child Hunger and Malnutrition’’. This served as a powerful reminder that despite over three decades of fighting hunger, about 200 million African children are suffering from malnutrition, a number projected to rise to 433 million by 2030. The Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG2), which aims for zero hunger, targets to end all forms of malnutrition by 2030 and addressing the nutritional needs of adolescent girls, pregnant and lactating women, and older persons. 

The 2nd National Children’s Parliament, held on Friday, 26 July 2024, at the Parliament of Uganda was a testament to the urgency of these goals. The event, attended by the deputy speaker of the parliament of Uganda, Hon. Tayebwa Thomas and the Minister of state for children and youth affairs, Hon. Barugahara Balaam, saw children taking the lead in advocating for policies aimed at achieving a hunger-free world.

During the session, a motion to end hunger and malnutrition was debated, with many speakers calling for political reforms, awareness-raising, and development to eradicate hunger and malnutrition. The children passed on their pleas and a position paper to the house, giving priority to the proposed Food and Nutrition Bill. This initiative emphasizes the fact that children have a voice, and they deserve to be heard, especially on issues that directly affect their health and well-being.

The discussions during the parliament session shed light on various causes of malnutrition and hunger, from poverty and ignorance to the increasing consumption of fast food and the decline of traditional food storage practices like granaries. The difficulty of farmers who, despite their hard work, sell their produce at low prices, was highlighted as a contributing factor to child hunger. The session also addressed the role of alcohol and drug abuse in the rise of hunger and malnutrition, with excessive alcohol consumption among men in villages leading to the sale of food meant for their families.

The deputy speaker, Hon. Tayebwa Thomas, emphasized the need for tougher measures against alcoholism to curb child hunger and malnutrition, calling for intentional efforts to fight drunkenness and backwardness in families for the sake of children and the future. This sentiment was echoed by other speakers, including policy makers and representatives from organizations like World Vision, who acknowledged the National Children’s Parliament as a significant opportunity to listen to children and ensure possible solutions to tackle issues like child hunger and malnutrition.

The 2nd National Children’s Parliament proposed agricultural development and awareness-raising as a strategy to address the hunger and malnutrition crisis in the country. This approach, coupled with the call for the encouragement of passing the Food and Nutrition Bill and this represents a comprehensive effort to tackle the root causes of hunger and malnutrition. As we reflect on the proceedings of the 2nd National Children’s Parliament, it’s clear that we all have a role to play towards ending child hunger and malnutrition. Government bodies, civil society organizations (CSOs), parents, and the international community must come together to advocate for a hunger-free world. 

CSOs need to advocate more vigorously for policies and practices that ensure food security and proper nutrition for all children. The call to end child hunger and malnutrition is not just a policy issue, it is a moral imperative that requires the collective action of all stakeholders. As the children of the 2nd National Children’s Parliament have shown, it’s time to listen to their voices and take decisive action to ensure that no child goes to bed hungry or suffers from malnutrition. Together, we can build a world where every child has access to the nutrition, they need to lead healthy and productive lives.

In conclusion, the 2nd National Children’s Parliament under the theme “A Call to End Child Hunger and Malnutrition” has set an example for meaningful dialogue and action towards achieving SDG2(zero hunger).  It’s a clarion call for all of us to work together to eradicate hunger and malnutrition, ensuring a brighter, healthier future for the next generation.